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Two years ago, Auburn University Libraries created a new Electronic Resources and Serials Services (ERSS) unit to create a cohesive, highly responsive, and forward-moving team. This newly created unit wanted to do things right, well, and strategically. When the team reflected upon the current staffing situation, the following issues emerged: (1) doing “more with less” was not a recipe for success; (2) projects were a far-away dream; and (3) having too little documentation was dangerous for succession. In addition the Unit Head was assuming more administrative assignments, making delegation of tasks not possible for this small and full-to-capacity work group. Thus was born the decision to create and hire a new tenure-track librarian, the Serials Acquisitions Librarian. It has now been 2 years since hiring this new librarian.

Three members of Auburn’s ERSS unit: the department head, the new librarian, and the serials associate, will talk about their experiences with adding a new electronic resources expert. Topics covered will include: (1) progress to date on addressing weak areas of service; (2) challenges with hiring a person proficient with electronic resources trouble shooting and cataloging, but less so with acquisitions; and (3) areas needing more attention. Engagement with the audience will be fostered through dialog on aspects of training staff, writing documentation, building teamwork, planning for succession, and handling sudden departures of key personnel.

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You Cannot Have Too Much Electronic Resources Staffing

Two years ago, Auburn University Libraries created a new Electronic Resources and Serials Services (ERSS) unit to create a cohesive, highly responsive, and forward-moving team. This newly created unit wanted to do things right, well, and strategically. When the team reflected upon the current staffing situation, the following issues emerged: (1) doing “more with less” was not a recipe for success; (2) projects were a far-away dream; and (3) having too little documentation was dangerous for succession. In addition the Unit Head was assuming more administrative assignments, making delegation of tasks not possible for this small and full-to-capacity work group. Thus was born the decision to create and hire a new tenure-track librarian, the Serials Acquisitions Librarian. It has now been 2 years since hiring this new librarian.

Three members of Auburn’s ERSS unit: the department head, the new librarian, and the serials associate, will talk about their experiences with adding a new electronic resources expert. Topics covered will include: (1) progress to date on addressing weak areas of service; (2) challenges with hiring a person proficient with electronic resources trouble shooting and cataloging, but less so with acquisitions; and (3) areas needing more attention. Engagement with the audience will be fostered through dialog on aspects of training staff, writing documentation, building teamwork, planning for succession, and handling sudden departures of key personnel.